Last week was tough for all of us at the City of Reno. Beginning on Wednesday, we reduced the number of positions in the City by 208, a reduction in force aimed at balancing this year’s budget, a big chunk of the City’s 1,300 person workforce. Of those, 101 were filled, full-time positions.
After letting four of my own staff know that their positions were being eliminated, I reviewed my notes and then headed to the lobby to face all three of the local affiliate’s news crews. I barely remember the interviews; I was still grieving the loss of my friends and colleagues. It was difficult to watch later that evening, but I did, as I was worried about how it came off.
I guess it was as good as could be expected, under the circumstances. As usual, however, I thought of much better things that I could have said as I sat watching the broadcasts.
It was the second layoff this year, the first being just last January, when I had to let our Strategic Communications Program Manager, a Community Liaison, and one of our Graphic Designers go. That took us from 19 to 16.
This time it was another Community Liaison, the other Graphic Designer, a senior call taker from our call center, and our Television Technician. At the same time, our most experienced Public Information Officer announced his retirement, a position we will not be able to replace. That leaves 11 staff members in Community Relations: one Public Information Officer; our Television Production Manager; the Web Services Manager; a Community Relations Manager who oversees the call center, along with three call takers; two Community Liaisons; my assistant and myself. A great team, despite the recent losses, but much, much smaller.
We’ll be reinventing ourselves, as well as preparing for another possible downsizing on July 1, 2010, the start of the new fiscal year. We’re focusing our efforts on low- and no-cost efforts, including social media, media relations and public affairs programming, and public relations.
Each of us will be evaluating how we spend our time and what the best investment of our meager resources will be.
I was impressed with the professionalism of the folks that I gave such devastating news to. Each understood that the decisions were not personal, but that the revenues couldn’t support the current staffing levels.
I’m also impressed with the great attitude of those who remain—their spirit of public service is unwavering, even in these uncertain times.
While the waves of change crash all around, we find strength in focusing on our commitment to create transparency, reinforce our credibility, and provide access to our constituents. Sometimes it helps to remember why you chose to work in government communications and how we make each of our communities better through our daily efforts.
I’d like to thank all of my colleagues, those who are seeking their next adventure and those who remain, for showing me what commitment, service, and true courage is.
